I’m a student to a local Sheikh in my area who does not neccessary follow the majority of jurists. He invited me to the masjid to give a presentation. In the masjid, he made sure that there was a barrier between the men and women. However, when I gave my presentation, I was presenting in front of the men. Most of the men are in their middle age. I looked up a few times while I was presenting, but the majority of the time I was looking down. Could you kindly inform me whether I did something appropriate?
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
It is not clear to us what you meant by the Shaykh not following the majority of the scholars, and you did not mention the nature of the presentation you gave, and the need for it; without this we cannot give you a specific answer.
However, in general, there is no harm for a woman to talk in the presence of men, when it is necessary, unless this leads to temptations. Additionally, she must also adhere to the Islamic standards, like adhering to proper Hjaab, being modest, not softening her voice and so on.
During the time of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, women used to talk in the presence of men and he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would not prevent them from doing so. Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: “I attended the ‘Eed prayer with the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, offered the prayer before delivering the Khutbah, and without an Athaan or an Iqaamah. He then stood up leaning against Bilaal and instructed people to be conscious of Allaah and obey Him, and he admonished them. After that, he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, went to the ladies side and reminded them and admonished them and said: “Spend in charity, for the majority of you will be the dwellers on Hell.” A lowly woman with darkness on her cheeks stood up and asked: “Why is this, o Messenger of Allah?” He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Because you complain too much (about your husband) and are not grateful to your husbands.” [Muslim].
Allah knows best.